Eminem Files Protective Order Against Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon

Eminem Files Protective Order Against Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon 

Eminem, the iconic rap artist, has recently become entangled in a legal dispute with Real Housewives of Potomac stars Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon over the trademark of their podcast, Reasonably Shady. The rapper, born Marshall Mathers, has actively opposed their efforts to trademark the podcast’s name, citing concerns over its similarity to his own Shady brand.

As reported, the Real Housewives of Potomac stars are standing firm on keeping their podcast name, “Reasonably Shady,” despite the ongoing legal dispute with Eminem.

In February, the rapper tried to legally shut down the Bravo duo’s trademark application, citing potential public “confusion” between the upcoming “Reasonably Shady” merchandise line and his brand, Slim Shady. He noted that he had used the moniker “Slim Shady” and “Shady” since 1996, and had poured time, money and effort into promoting the name and brand. He also owns the trademark for both his merch and his music.

Eminem, whose birth name is Marshall Mathers, also claimed that his brand would be “damaged,” if the trademark was issued. He cited potential “confusion in trade resulting in damage and injury.”

In the latest development, Eminem filed a response to Gizelle Bryant and Robyn Dixon’s motion to compel his deposition in the case. The documents, obtained by AllHipHop, detail Eminem’s refusal to participate in the deposition, with his legal team arguing procedural improprieties and questioning the necessity of his personal involvement.

Eminem’s lawyer, in a filing dated December 15, argued that the motion to compel his deposition was both premature and inappropriate. The lawyer highlighted that Gizelle and Robyn had not yet served Eminem with a notice of deposition, a necessary step before requesting the Board to compel a deposition. They further claimed that Eminem’s deposition would be redundant and unduly burdensome given his limited knowledge of the issues at hand and the availability of others with more relevant information.

The legal response also pointed out that Eminem had suggested three individuals, including his manager Paul Rosenberg, who possess more pertinent information and are better suited to answer questions related to the Shady trademark. Eminem’s team asserted that Gizelle and Robyn were mistaken in their pursuit of his deposition without first attempting to gather the required information from these other suggested sources.

The lawyer’s filing stated:

“Opposer has offered to produce three other individuals having equal and superior knowledge to Mathers on the relevant topics. However, without making any attempt to assess whether they will be able to obtain the relevant information from said individuals, and having taken no depositions to date, Applicants remain insistent on deposing Mathers, a high-level and removed decision maker. Accordingly, Applicants’ Motion to Compel should be denied and … Opposer asks this Board to issue a protective order precluding the deposition of Marshall Mathers III.”

Eminem’s opposition to Gizelle and Robyn’s trademark application for “Reasonably Shady” stems from his belief that the name is too closely related to his well-established Shady brand. Gizelle and Robyn, on their part, have denied any potential for confusion between the two trademarks.

The ongoing legal battle presents a significant clash between the realms of music and reality television, as both parties stand firm in their positions regarding the trademark issue.

 

Stay Connected With All About The Tea: Twitter Ι Instagram Ι YouTube Ι Facebook Ι Send Us Tips